10 Drake songs that prove he's the king of rap and R&B

For the last 15 years, Drake has changed what it means to be a world-famous music star. He mixes up music types and takes hip-hop to new places in how it sounds and feels. Starting in 2009 with his big mixtape So Far Gone, he became a key player in culture, not only for his sharp words or catchy tunes, but because he always changes and stays ahead of the curve.

Instead of sticking to one style, he mixes rap, R&B, dancehall, pop, and even Afrobeats into his own unique sound that sells well and leads the way.

Each work, from Take Care to Nothing Was the Same to Nokia, shows a new side of his skill. It shows both his own growth and the big changes in music. His songs go from open-heart clearness to strong pride, giving fans a full set of feelings to feel. More than just chart hits and awards, Drake's big mark may be in how he made it okay for artists to show deep feelings and still be top in mainstream music.

For more than 15 years, Drake wasn't just big in hip-hop. He was at the core of it. He ruled with a non-stop run of hits that mixed rap and R&B, hard and soft sides.

There was a time when his music was all you could hear — from deep, dark tunes to catchy beats at every party and on all playlists, Drake's touch was all over. He didn't just go with trends, he set them, changing what it meant to be a top rap star in the time of streaming music.

Now, as times change and new voices emerge, the love for Drake seems to be less. The same scene that once cheered his every step now shifts its cheers to artists like Kendrick Lamar, often changing the story as if Drake's mark was just luck or a short moment.

But true greatness isn't wiped out by what people think. Drake's mark is deep in the heart of today's rap, and to ignore it is not just short-sighted, it's false. His songs show a great mix of change, feeling, and big success. If you need to recall his impact, these 10 songs tell a lot. They are more than just big hits, they are key points that still shape the music world in 2025.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. The reader's discretion is advised.

Here are the top 10 Drake songs of all time

Picking just 10 songs from Drake's long list is hard. His work over more than 15 years includes many top hits. Drake's music talks to all - the sad at heart, party lovers, serious rap fans, and just the usual listeners. From deep lines to big choruses, he changes styles but keeps his own sound.

This has made him a key figure in rap and pop. This list isn't just based on numbers or how much people have listened online — it’s about the times, the impact, and the skill that made these tracks shine among many hits. Whether they marked a turning point in his career or became the soundtrack to a generation, these songs represent the essence of Drake's impact on music.

1) God's Plan (2018)

When Drake put out God's Plan in early 2018, it didn't just go up in ranks, it caught a vibe. More than just a big hit, it turned into a shared moment that went beyond tunes, a lot because of its famous music video, where Drake handed out close to a million dollars to folks who needed it. But to say the song's reach was all about the viral video would miss out on its magic.

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At heart, God's Plan wins with its simple beat: A smooth, catchy sound with words that mix being open and full of joy. Drake's lines feel like a chat yet are full of deep thoughts, making the tune both private and for all. It wasn't made to wow with hard parts, but to reach many, and it did. Years on, its pull is still there.

The song stays loved not just for what it stood for then, but because its call, that true success comes from belief and realness, is still felt. God's Plan isn't just a song, it's a strong yes.

2) Emotionless (2018)

Drake has often walked the line between show-off and open heart, but few times in his music have hit as hard as Emotionless. The song does not just skim the surface, it jumps right into how hard it is to live always being watched. Set to a cold bit of Mariah Carey's Emotions, Drake turns the eerie sound into a spot to bare his soul, tearing down the fake parts of his fame with sharp truth.

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More than just talking about the hard parts of being famous, he picks apart the fake parts of online life, how made-up pics and fake joy twist what is real. His words on being a dad, once used in his fight with Pusha T, come out here not as a joke but as a peek into the hard parts of his own life.

The lasting power of Emotionless comes from its raw feel: It shows the odd mix of being loved by many but still feeling unknown. In 2025, its words hit harder, as the gap between real and show gets thinner on social sites. Emotionless isn't just a time for self-thought, it is a lasting hit on today's lonely life in glam.

3) Marvins Room (2011)

Before it was cool to show feelings in rap, Drake opened the way with a song that put being open front and center. Marvins Room changed the game by showing that deep thoughts and mess could be strong and real. When rap used to be all about tough fronts and keeping distance, Drake let his hurt pour out into the mic.

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He made his heartache sound tired and needy. He didn't hide his need or regrets, he gave us a simple beat and a flow of late stuff that was almost too private to listen to. What sets the song apart isn't only the words, but also the feel it brings: the quiet of dark rooms, the pain of old times, the sudden need to call someone you know you can't.

Drake wasn't pretending to be strong, he was keeping it true. That truth, mixed with sadness and simple sound, changed how we see the feelings in both rap and R&B. Marvins Room didn't just shape a whole group of singers; it let them show their feelings freely, with all their faults.

4) Tuscan Leather (2013)

Long before talk of rap tops filled our screens, Tuscan Leather was Drake's bold way of saying he wasn't just big in charts, he was a real power in wordplay. Kicking off his 2013 album Nothing Was the Same, Drake chose to skip any catchy hooks or sweet breaks.

He gave us a six-minute run of straight rap over three shifting beats. No tricks, no guest stars, just him and the mic. It was a time when he dropped the pop-rap name and showed us all, through the jokes and tunes, he was a rapper who wanted bigtime respect.

Back then, he was trying hard to match big names like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. The song Tuscan Leather hit like a bold call: it was smooth, non-stop, and full of real feels. Looking back, it was more than a start, it was a clear warning. Any doubts about his skill or his spot in rap talk only needed a play button hit.

5) Diplomatic Immunity (2018)

Drake is famous for his big hit songs and his mix of music types, but in songs like Diplomatic Immunity, his true word skill stands out. Many times, people miss this side of him, choosing his hits that play a lot on the radio.

Yet, this song shows that under his pop hits, there is an artist who is deep in rap's tale-telling way. Instead of just going for easy hooks or ear-catching parts, Drake goes for a flow of thoughts, pouring out sharp words on being known, rich, and broken ties.

What makes Diplomatic Immunity stand out is its deep thought. Each line mixes personal views with what people see around them, talking about leaders, history, and knowing oneself with a style that’s sharp and raw. The background music, dark and like a movie, feels more like a film sound than just a rhythm, making a good base for a song that tells a deep, bold story.

It's the type of song that doesn't shout for all to note, but slowly gains the nod of serious hip-hop fans. Looking back, it is clear the song wasn’t built to top charts, it was made to last long.

6) Do Not Disturb (2017)

Do Not Disturb, the last song on More Life (2017), feels like a deep night secret reveal, more like a raw diary note than a closing. Not ending with a big show, Drake goes for deep thought, showing us the hard parts of his fame and the headspace he needed to keep it up.

The music is soft and dim, letting his raw thoughts come out, about friends gone, the price of his dreams, and the heavy feel of always being seen. This song lasts because it's not just about the words, it's about the goal behind them. Drake is not just trying to get a top hit — he is taking the time to stop and think.

After a mix full of world tunes and different feels, Do Not Disturb gives us quiet, a place for real talk. He isn't afraid to talk about past errors, but he doesn't stay sad either. It is thoughtful, yes, but it is strong too. This isn't just a big song from the album, it marks a spot in Drake's path. A song that talks right to those who have grown with him, and who get that often the softest times tell us the most.

7) 5AM in Toronto (2013)

Drake has often used his timestamp songs to show off his raw rap skills, times when the show stops, and all eyes are on his pure rap words. 5AM in Toronto is not just sharp, but it also makes a big point: Outside the hit songs and pop-rap charm, Drake is a strong rapper with a point to make. This wasn't just a freestyle, it was a clear goal.

Put out when folks were fast to doubt him, the song serves as both a show of rap skills and a calm takedown of those who doubt him. It's full of hidden jabs aimed at music names like Pusha T and The Weeknd, showing the deep game played offstage.

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Drake keeps quiet on the beef, yet his words pack a punch, and it's easy to see, he spots the digs, and he's talking in hints. With a dark, cold beat, he spits out lines with a sharp and sure tone that slices right through. Even years on, 5AM in Toronto hits like a key shift, a nudge that under the pop hits hides a true artist whose writing stays strong.

When he drops the catchy parts and lays it all bare, there's no question, he can hold his own with the top rappers.

8) Nonstop (2018)

Some songs are made to fire up big groups, and Nonstop sure does that well. Right when that deep, ghostly beat starts, you know Drake is all in, pulling you in with his clear style. This tune turned into a big hit fast, ringing out in clubs, full stadiums, and wherever people want that strong buzz of feeling unbeatable.

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In his songs, Drake takes on his big role in rap, sure of his top spot and how he stands out from others. He shows off not just his skill, but also the cool way he handles the music world, showing strong control. His smooth style flows over the deep, almost dreamy beat, making a feel that is both strong and pulling, marking Nonstop as a new classic.

Years later, this song still brings a rush to any place, it boosts a workout, lights up a party, or fires up fans before a big game. Its enduring presence speaks to the timeless impact Drake has made, with Nonstop standing undefeated as a soundtrack for moments when you need to feel unstoppable.

9) Started From The Bottom (2013)

Drake's climb in the music game had always been met with doubt, making Started From The Bottom more than just a song of joy; it was a strong cry of his tough rise before reaching the end.

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This song, held by a plain but gripping beat, turned its repeating hook into a call that hit home in many different hard fights. If you were an artist facing no's, a student getting by, or a person working hard against tough odds, this tune touched a true shared feeling.

By the time Started From The Bottom came out, Drake was already winning, but the point was clear: He worked hard for his wins and they weren't just given to him. Years on, now in 2025, the track still moves us. It stands as a strong sign that true win comes from hard work, more so when people don't think you have value. Its endless charm is in how we all love an underdog tale, making it a song that stays strong.

10) Nokia

Drake's song Nokia, from his album with PartyNextDoor named Some Sexy Songs 4 U, has a mix of old and new styles. It came out on Valentine's Day 2025 via Santa Anna Label Group, OVO Sound, and Republic Records.

The song was on the hit radio as the album's second single. In terms of charts, Nokia did well. It rose to number five on Canada's Hot 100 and almost hit first place, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 by April.

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It was a big hit across the world, too, making it into the top 10 in places like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The music, made by Elkan, is great with its rough Atlanta bass sound mixed with bright synth layers, and the singing has a gender-fluid feel.

Near the end, the song changes as the beat jumps and slows down, making a rich rhythm that reminds you of old hip-hop, with Drake giving lines in a way that makes you think of Whodini. A smart move is to use the old Nokia phone ringtone from the late '90s and early 2000s, adding a vintage touch to the modern sound.

Drake's list of songs shows how much he has grown as an artist, with a clear skill to mix deep words with hits that many love. From his first few works to his big hit albums, Drake has kept making new sounds in hip-hop and R&B, making tunes that touch many kinds of people.

His many styles show up in how he raps, sings, and tries new sounds, often leading the way in how the music moves. More than just big sales, Drake's songs share a look at his own life, going into love, fame, an open heart, and big dreams with a truth that seems real and easy to connect with.